COLLEGE BASEBALL: Vikings ready to get over the hump

WEST WINDSOR — After climbing to the peak the past two seasons, the Mercer County Community College baseball team is looking to take a peek at what’s on the other side of the hump this spring.

The Vikings have reached the championship game of the Region 19 Tournament each of the past two years and are pretty tired of the deal ending there.

“Our goal every year is to win the Region 19 title,” said coach Kevin Kerins, whose team opened with a home game against Cecil, Md.,on Friday. “The last two seasons we lost in the region championship game and our players have used those experiences as motivation for the upcoming season.”

Mercer has a solid nucleus returning, particularly on the mound with Hamilton grad Paul Piromalli and Nottingham product Matt Owle. The 6-foot-9 Piromalli was 6-3 with a 2.79 ERA, 55 strikeouts and 30 walks in 64 innings, while Owle was 7-1 with a 2.28 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 17 walks in 59 innings. “Paul was a weekend starter for us last year and had a great season,” Kerins said. “We expect Paul to anchor our pitching staff and take the ball every weekend. He has worked hard in the offseason and put strength and weight on.

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“Matt led the region in ERA last year and will be counted on to continue to eat innings and pitch on weekends.”

Mike Mimmo, another former Northstar, is back for his second season, and Kerins expects him “to pitch on the weekend and provide us with some sophomore leadership.”

The Vikings have several returnees among the everyday players as well, led by Council Rock North product Dan Denton. The outfielder is one of Mercer’s top returning hitters (.344) and had 14 doubles and 28 runs scored.

“He is the foundation of our lineup,” Kerins said. “Dan has several Division I schools and scouts interested in him. We expect Dan’s hard work in the offseason to pay off and for him to continue to grow into one of the top players in the Northeast.”

Neshaminy High graduate Darren Heisse is another key returnee at catcher after hitting .306 last year.

“Darren has taken control of our pitching staff and does an excellent job controlling the running game,” Kerins noted.

Second baseman Mike Ras, an Allentown graduate, is the Vikings’ leading returning hitter (.377) and “will anchor our infield,” Kerins said. Steinert product Steve Spadafino hit .286 last year and “is excellent defensively and will help anchor our outfield.”

Kerins, who already has verbal commitments from 11 players for the 2014 season, brought in 16 recruits this year and says “we expect each of them to be an impact player for us.”

Mark Tomei, an All-American outfielder and two-time All-State honoree at South Plainfield, will help in the outfield after being named the Middlesex County Player of the Year last year.

Florence High grad Heath Fillmyer was recruited to replace Mike Constantini (now playing at West Virginia) but may also be the Vikings closer after being clocked at 93 mph during the Vikings scout day.

Ben Stine, a husky 6-3, 200-pounder, should contribute to the starting rotation this year, while Hunterdon Central’s Joe DiGiovanni will also vie for a starter’s job. Brett Bonn, a third baseman and another HC product, was the West Jersey Hitter of the Year last season.

Steinert grads Carston “Nate” Raab and Brock Podgurski should also figure into the mix.

“Brock was an outstanding player for Steinert and we expect him to be an impact player for us this season,” Kerins said. “Carston will see time on the mound and will also DH and play first base.” Mercer has 53 games scheduled this year and prepared for the long grind by playing 20 games in the fall (several against four-year schools) and working over the winter with MCCC strength and conditioning coordinator John Kalinowski.

“This team has a very nice blend of experience on the mound and depth in the lineup,” Kerins said. “Our incoming freshmen gained valuable experience in the fall. We were able to add depth, athleticism and speed to our lineup. I like that we can win games in a variety of ways, but as with every season our pitching and defense will determine our level of success.”

Success that the Vikings hope will allow them to see the other side of the hump.